The Best Restaurants for Authentic Florentine Cuisine

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Italian gastronomy is one of the best in the world and in any village of any region of the country you will always find typical restaurants that will make you discover the best of local tradition. The beautiful Florence is certainly not less: the city actually is overflowing with typical restaurants. Their quantity is such that making a certain selection is more than necessary.

But. there are some legendary restaurants in Florence that combine a great quality of dishes with a menu that pays homage to the tradition and chefs in the kitchen who interpret the latter perfectly. We have chosen the five that we prefer, we advise you to visit them all, because at least once in life you have to try them to find all the good of Tuscany on your plate.

Buca Lapi dal 1880

Via del Trebbio, 1/R

In the former cellars of the historic Palazzo Antinori, this typical Florentine “buca” (underground restaurant, TN) is also the oldest restaurant in the city, with over one hundred and thirty years of history. Trompe-l’oeil frescoes on the walls, scribbled lampshades, cross vaults covered with posters and advertisements of the times past: the atmosphere in here is magical. Even more magical is the food. Eating here means making an exploration of the most authentic heart of Tuscany. First of all, the legendary Florentine steak, but also the artisanal pastas, beans all’uccelletto and tripe. Buca Lapi is among the best things Florence has to offer.

Buca dell’Orafo

Via dei Girolami, 28/R

The location would be modest if it were not that this “buca” is adjacent to the Ponte Vecchio, and its entrance is almost hidden, below street level. It’s impossible not to feel the influence of the magical atmosphere that corners of Florence like this one can give. Once seated at the tables, we advise you to plunder the antipasti section before immediately jumping to the main course. Above all, we recommend the croutons of fegatini and those with lard. If, however, for the main course, you do not want the usual Florentine steak, try the fried lamb chops. You will thank us.

Trattoria Cammillo dal 1945

Borgo S. Jacopo, 57/R

This historic trattoria is literally a stone’s throw from the Santa Trinita Bridge. You cannot say it’s spacious, but the real space that interests you is the room you need to make in your stomach. The cuisine of Trattoria Cammillo is that of true Tuscany, made with natural, first quality ingredients. There are also many special dishes of the day, and you should always take a look at them: they often turn out to be genuine delights. The handmade pastas are all excellent and an absolute must.

Perseus

Viale Don Giovanni Minzoni, 10/R

Meat, meat and meat. There is something else on the menu, which is also quite large by the way, but at Perseus one comes only for one thing, and it’s neither pasta nor vegetables. This restaurant is the apotheosis of proteins, a place in front of which vegetarians and vegans should cry bitter tears. Where to start? Strangely not from the Florentine steak, which is perhaps one of the best in Florence, but from the tartare. That of Perseus is something transcendental: abundant and delicious, when it comes into contact with your taste buds you will see the fireworks and you will end up prostrated in adoration.

Trattoria 13 Gobbi

Via del Porcellana, 9/R

Among all the restaurants listed here, the 13 Gobbi is the one who feels more like home. The location has something familiar, even when you enter for the first time. Maybe it’s the cookware hanging from the ceiling, maybe the bizarre boiserie made from wine cases, or perhaps the row of coffee makers that crowd the shelves in the hall. Anyway, the restaurant is a really welcoming place. Two dishes above all: the tuna of Castiglione with zolfini beans and the legendary rigatoni in the tureen. On their own, they will suffice to make you dream, but the list could go on for a long time, since the trattoria’s menu ranges with nonchalance to all the most famous dishes of the local gastronomy.